Contemptful

/kənˈtɛmptfəl/ adjective

Definition

Full of contempt; showing extreme disrespect or scorn toward someone or something.

Etymology

From 'contempt' (from Latin 'contemptus,' past participle of 'contemnere,' meaning to despise) plus the adjective suffix '-ful.' This is a variant of the more common 'contemptuous.'

Kelly Says

While 'contemptful' is grammatically valid, 'contemptuous' has almost completely replaced it in modern English—it's like watching one word slowly lose a battle to its synonym over centuries.

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